St James the Greater Church, Boston 聖雅各伯天主堂

St James the Greater Church, Boston 聖雅各伯天主堂 St. James the Greater Church/ Boston Chinese Catholic Community
聖雅各伯天主堂/ 波士頓華?
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07/02/2024

常年期第十三主日

6/30/2024

張春祥神父

波士頓華埠聖雅各伯堂

主內的弟兄姐妹，大家好！

上個主日天的讀經告訴我們，生命的船在世界中前進的過程中會有很多挑戰和痛苦，但身為基督徒的我們不需要害怕，因為耶穌也在船上與我們同行，我們只需要有信德，並避免魔鬼的誘惑，祂會幫助我們平息風浪，並確保我們人生的旅程平安無恙。今天的讀經告訴我們，我們的生命來自天主的創造，天主以祂的肖像創造了我們，我們每一位在天主面前都是尊貴的，天主對我們的召叫也是神聖的，祂願意我們享受永恆的生命。

今天的第一篇讀經中，智慧篇告訴我們天主是智慧的來源，真正的智慧不是藉著人的努力而獲得的。智慧是來自天主的禮物，凡向祂懇求智慧的人，天主必會賜予。屬於基督徒的智慧應該是這樣的：天主按照自己的肖像創造了我們，天主給與我們的召叫就是要走到天主面前享受永恆的生命。世上所有的一切，包括動物、植物、其他的人、財務和金錢、甚至是工作與勞苦，都是天主上智的安排，這一切都是來自天主，天主願意這世上的一切能夠帶領我們走進祂永恆的生命與光榮，願一切受造物都成為我們到達天主的途徑。

今天的第二篇讀經中，聖保祿宗徒鼓勵當時的信友團體，要有一顆慷慨的心，幫助耶路撒冷的窮人，捐獻本是一種神聖的行為，因為捐獻的本性是愛，愛來自於天主。通過慷慨來發現天主對窮人的人，通過捐獻將天主賦予你們本身的愛傳遞並分享給其他有需要的人。保祿宗徒告訴我們，耶穌是慷慨的楷模，由於祂的愛與慷慨，將自己擁有的富有的天主性與人分享，又由於自己的愛將自己的生命通過死亡的方式分享給所有的人，為的就是要所有人在天主內都成為富足的。

今天的福音中，耶穌治愈了一個患血漏病十二年的婦女——一個貧窮和被孤立的人，也復活了一位會堂長的女兒——一個富人家。這兩個故事很有趣，雅依洛和這位患血漏病的婦人都來到耶穌跟前，都是戰戰兢兢地懇求耶穌治愈的恩典。他們也都是藉著信德得到耶穌的恩典的。可這兩個故事中，耶穌不只是分別治愈了他們，使他們得到自己所求的恩賜，更重要的是，耶穌給與他們兩個家庭一份新生命。患血漏病的婦人由於自己的病情變得貧窮，甚至別人都不願意接近她，祂在生命中越來越孤立無援。會堂長雅依洛的家庭雖然富有，雖然不會感到孤立，但是他馬上要失去他的女兒。耶穌的到來給與他全家一份生命的希望。由此可以看出，原來信德帶給我們的不只是面對當時的困難，更重要的信德可以帶給我們來自天主更大的恩賜——新生命。

所以，弟兄姐妹們，我們今天的反省是：第一、天主是賦予我們生命的天主，祂創造、養育、引導著我們，祂願意我們藉著信德分享祂的天主性生命，並在生命的終結，更能進入天國生活於祂的光榮中。這應該是我們生命的目標。第二、在天主內，聖神賦予我們生活的智慧，我們應該意識到天主賞賜於我們的所有恩寵，也應該懷著感恩的心，慷慨大方地與其他天主子民分享天主賜予我們的各種恩惠，學習耶穌的奉獻精神。第三、天主賦予我們生命，祂慷慨的為我們而死，就是為了使我們獲得生命，但是天主不會強迫我們選擇天主的恩賜，然而，凡向天主求助的人，都不會空手而回。如果我們憑著對耶穌基督的信德向祂呼求，祂不只是會賞賜我們所需要的恩惠，祂更會賜給我們一個新的生命。亞孟。

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
6/30/2024
Fr. Joseph Zhang
St. James the Greater Church in Boston's Chinatown

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Happy Sunday!

The reading last Sunday told us the journey of the boat of life is filled with challenges and pain. As Christians we need not be afraid because Jesus accompanies us on this boat. So long as we have faith, avoid Satan’s temptation, Jesus will help us to calm the wind and wave, assure us with safety and calm. Today’s readings told us, our life comes from God’s creation, created from God’s image. In front of God each of us is noble and precious. His calling to us is also holy and He wishes us to share eternal life.

In today’s first reading, the book of Wisdom told us God is the source of our wisdom. True wisdom does not come from mankind’s efforts. Rather wisdom is a gift from God. Whoever asks God will receive it as gift. The wisdom of a Christian shall be: From His image God created us. God calls us to come to Him to share eternal life. Everything in the world, including animal, tree, plant, other people, finance and money, work, labor, and hardship are all prepared by the Almighty Wisdom, all come from God. God want everything in the world can bring us to His eternal life and glory, that all creations have the way to reach God.

In the second reading St. Apostle Paul exhorts the contemporary faith community to have a heart of generosity, help the poor in Jerusalem. Offering is an act of holiness because its authenticity is love, and love comes from God. Through generosity man discover how God treats the poor. Through offering you transmit the love given by God to others in need. Apostle Paul told us: Jesus is the role model of generosity. From Jesus’ love and generosity, He shared His Godliness with mankind. And with His love from death Jesus shared His life with others, so that all can have affluence in God.

In the gospel, Jesus cured a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years – someone who is poor and alone. Jesus also brought back to life the daughter of the synagogue official – someone from a rich family. These two stories are very interesting. Jairus and the woman with hemorrhages both went to Jesus, very frightened and begged Jesus for the gift of healing. Through faith both received the gift of blessing from Jesus. In both stories, Jesus not only cured them separately, so that they received what they asked. More importantly, Jesus gave the two families a new life. The woman with hemorrhages became poor because of her illness, and others did not want to be nearing her. Her life was becoming more and more alone and helpless. Though Jairus the synagogue official was rich and not feeling isolated, yet he was about to lose her daughter and Jesus’ arrival gave them the hope of life. Faith does not just bring us to face the difficulty at that time, more importantly faith brings us the more important blessing from God – new life.

Brothers and sisters, let us reflect today: First, God is a God who gives us life. He creates, nourishes, leads us, through faith He shares God’s life with us. At the end of our life we can enter the Kingdom of Heaven in His glory. That should be the goal of our life. Second, in God, the Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom of living. We should discern all the blessings God give us, and with a heart of gratitude, share with other God’s children our different and many blessings, learn Jesus’ spirit of offering. Third, God gives us life, and He dies for us unconditionally, so that we will receive life. God does not force us to choose His blessings. Rather, when one asks God for help will not go away empty handed. When he ask for help with faith in Jesus Christ, He not only will grant us what we need, and will give us a new life. Amen.

06/28/2024

常年期第十二主日

6/23/2024

張春祥神父

波士頓華埠聖雅各伯堂

主內的弟兄姐妹，大家好！

教會今天帶領我們一起聆聽耶穌的教訓——“不要害怕”並“堅強信德”，願意我們教友們在現世的船上能夠靠著信德與堅定，在堅強中跟隨耶穌並實現信仰。

今天的第一篇讀經通過約伯的故事告訴我們，人生的船上或許遭遇大風大浪，甚或遇到困難與危險，但是，天主永遠與我們同在，就像但年祂照顧約伯一樣，使生命的船即使遇到風浪，也會因著天主的眷顧而安然無恙。

今天的第二篇讀經，聖保祿宗徒告訴我們，當耶穌被釘死在十字架上的那刻起，我們眾人都領受了來自耶穌死亡帶給我們的恩典——靈魂的得救。對教會來說，那一刻是舊約與新約的分界線，對我們來說，過去的舊我開始遠離我們，有罪的人開始有機會藉著十字架的聖血得到淨化。被天主驅逐出樂園的人類開始有了進入天堂的可能。所以，耶穌的死亡與復活帶給世界的是一個嶄新的開始。保祿宗徒這樣說，“在基督內，我們都是一個新的創造，舊的已經過去，一切都是新的了”（格後5:17）.

今天的福音中，耶穌和門徒們在船上，當太陽的光還沒有照亮他們的時候，也就是說當時還是黑暗的時候，風浪來了。就在宗徒們束手無策的時候，他們突然意識到他們的師傅耶穌還在船上，於是，向祂發出呼救。很神奇，耶穌一聲令下，風浪就平靜了。舊約的時代，人們都認為，人沒有能力制服風浪的洶湧，但是只有天主才能使“狂傲的浪濤到此為止”（約38:11）並“統治洶湧的海嘯，平抑翻騰的波浪”（詠89:10）。另一個很好的例子就是，梅瑟通過天主的能力在海中為以色列子民開辟了一條大路（出14：15-31）。所以，今天的福音告訴了我們：

第一、無論生命的船中發生什麼，即便遇到困苦災難，只要有天主在，一切都會平安順利。

第二、這個世界的船上有很多誘惑，作為耶穌的門徒，我們要憑借對耶穌的信德堅強面對。耶穌，我們的主曾親自經歷現世的誘惑。當他感到飢餓的時候，魔鬼趁機攻擊耶穌。飢餓的感覺本來是人本能的一種反應，當時魔鬼卻藉著人的基本需要來誘惑人，魔鬼告訴耶穌要靠自己的能力來滿足自己的需求。當耶穌非常清楚，人無論需要什麼都應該轉向天主，因為天主非常清楚你的需求。正如耶穌親自告訴我們：“你們的父，在你們求祂以前，已知道你們需要什麼”（瑪6:8）。所以耶穌知道我們心中所需，祂比我們更了解我們自己。天主就像是一位母親，只要看一眼，就“知道孩子的一切”：無論他們是高興或傷心，真誠或有所隱瞞。可非常不幸的是，我們當中還有多少人為了滿足自己的需求完全依靠自己的力量去達到，完全忘記了天主也與我們同在一條船上的事實，上了魔鬼的當。所以我們祈禱的時候，應該這樣說：“上主，禰知道一切，甚至不需要告訴禰我的痛苦，我只懇求禰留在我身邊：禰是我的希望。”

第三、耶穌安慰我們不要害怕，意思就是說，“不要擔心太多，我在，你就會平安”。大家都知道天主是全能全知的，“沒有任何隱秘的事情，將來不被揭露出來的”（路12:2）。不論我們喜歡與否，恐懼都是人生的一部分，比如當人面對孤獨、疑惑、甚至我們不遠見到的動物或人的時候，恐懼就會來見我們，當時，作為基督的門徒，我們並沒有理由害怕，因為我們不孤單，天主是一位慈愛的父親，如果祂對受造物最小的細節都關心，那對祂忠實的孩子們就必然更加關心。聖施禮華神父這樣說：「唯一的解決方法是去愛。聖若望宗徒寫了一些話，真的感動了我：『Qui autem timet，non est perfectus in caritate』。我要把它逐字地翻譯成：有恐懼心的人不懂得怎樣去愛。因此，你既然愛，又知道怎樣顯示愛，就不必害怕任何事。那麼，繼續吧！」（聖施禮華，《煉爐》，260）。教宗本篤十六世也這樣安慰我們：“信徒什麼也不怕，因為他們知道自己是在天主的手中，耶穌是那世界和愛的主宰，祂為了愛而犧牲了自己，我們與天主的關系越親密，我們的生命中就越充滿愛，如此，我們就越容易克服各種形式的恐懼與誘惑。”（本篤十六世，2008年6/22，三鐘經分享）。

所以，弟兄姐妹們，讓我們懇求天主堅強我們的信德，相信耶穌就是這個世界的主，祂能駕馭一切。藉著天主的恩賜，我們也能克服日常中的魔鬼與恐懼，在天主的愛內，常享平安。亞孟。

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
6/23/2024
Fr. Joseph Zhang
St. James the Greater Church in Boston's Chinatown

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Happy Sunday!

The Church today leads us by listening to Jesus’ teaching – “Be not afraid” and “strong faith”, wishing us faithful in the boat of contemporary world strong in our belief, following Jesus to make our faith alive.

Through the first reading the story of Job told us: in the boat of our life we experience strong wind and big waves, difficulties and risks. Yet God is always with us just like he took care of Job in the past. Everything will be fine and calm with God’s caring despite wind and waves.

In the second reading Apostle Paul told us, at the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross, each of us received the grace and blessing from that death – salvation of the soul. For the Church, that was the dividing line between the Old and New Testament. For us, our old selves began to depart from us. Through the holy blood of the crucifix sinners are purified. Men expelled from the Garden began the possibility of entering into heaven. Jesus’ death and resurrection brought a new beginning to the world. Apostle Paul said: “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come (2 Cor 5:17).

In the gospel, Jesus was in the boat with his disciples. Before any light from the sun shining on them, that is to say it was still dark, wind and wave came. Not knowing what to do, they realized their Master was in the boat and called him for help. Just one command from Jesus, everything is calm again. In the Old Testament age, people believed they did not have the power to calm strong wind and wave, only God can “stop the proud waves” (Jb 38:11), and “rule the raging sea, still its swelling waves” (Ps 89:10). Another good example is: through God’s power to open a big path in the sea for the Israelites” (Ex 14:15-31). So today’s gospel told us:

First, no matter what happen in the boat of life, even from hardship and disaster, all will be at peace and calm if God is there.

Second, there are many temptations in the boat of the world. As disciples of Jesus, we rely on our faith in Jesus to face. Our Jesus has experienced the worldly temptations. When He was hungry, Satan used that opportunity to attack Jesus. Hunger is a natural response of mankind. Using this human fundamental need Satan tempted human beings. He told Jesus to use his own power to satisfy his needs. Jesus was very clear. Whatever mankind needs we turn to God because God knows very well our need. Just as Jesus personally told us: “Your father knows what you need before you ask him” (Mt 6:8). Jesus knows what we need, and he knows us better than us. Just like a mother, one look, knows “everything of the child”: whether happy or sad, genuine or hiding. Unfortunately in our midst many rely on their own power to get what they want; totally forgetting the fact that God is in the same boat with us, and tricked by Satan. When we pray, should say “Lord, you know everything, no need to tell you my pain, I only ask you to stay with me, and you are my hope”.

Third, Jesus comforted us be not afraid. Meaning: “Don’t worry too much. I am here and peace be with you”. We know God is almighty and all knowing. “There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known” (Lk 12:2). Whether we like it or not, fear is a natural part of life. When faced with loneliness, questioning, doubting, or not willing to see an animal or adult, fear is coming to join us. At that time, as a Christian, we do not have reason to be afraid because we are not alone. God is a loving father, and He cares for little details of any creature. He cares even more the children who are loyal and faithful to Him. St. Josemaria Escriva said: “The only solution is to love”. St. Apostle John wrote these words that truly touch me: Qui autem timet, non est perfectus in caritate. This is my translation: “One who is fearful does not know how to love. If you love and know how to show love, be not afraid of anything. Now, continue!” (St. Josemaria Escriva, “The Forge”). Pope Benedict XVI also comforted us: “A believer is not afraid of anything because he knows he is in God’s hand. Jesus is the judge of the world and love. For love He sacrificed himself. The more we are intimate with God our life will be full of love. Then it is easier for us to overcome all kinds of fear and temptations” (Benedict XVI, 6/22/2008 Angelus prayer).

Dear brothers and sisters: pray to and ask God to strengthen our faith, knowing Jesus is the Lord of this world. He controls everything, through His grace and blessing we can overcome Satan and fear in our daily life. In God’s love, share peace forever. Amen.

06/19/2024

常年期第十一主日
6/16/2024
波士頓華埠聖雅各伯堂
宋秉祥執事

今日是父親節，是所有父親和擔任父親角色的人，包括神父、代父，甚至有些母親都擔任父親角色的，是你們的特別日子，在這裏祝你們父親節快樂！願天主、我們天上的父親，充沛地祝福你們，並透過你們，祝福你們的子女！

作為父親，我們都希望可以提供一個安全和足夠的環境給子女，讓他們不用擔心，可以健康地成長，發揮他們的才能，很多時父親都對子女有個期望，希望他們因着他的指引，將來會比自己更有成就。但結果是怎樣，往往要看子女與父親的關係，子女是否信賴父親，當然也要看子女是否發奮，願意受教和挑戰自己。

以色列民族在達味王和撒羅滿王統治的時代，是一個統一和繁榮的國家。但後來十二支派之間的爭執，令國家分裂為南北二國。在公元前七百年和六百年左右，北國以色列和南國猶大，先後被亞述和巴比倫帝國打敗，聖殿被毀，很多人民被迫充軍和遷徙，以色列民族就失去了他們的國家。在痛苦中，他們都疑惑天主是否因他們犯的錯，沒有遵守他們與天主之間的盟約，而遺棄了他們。但天主並沒有遺棄他們，更派遣了不少先知，去鼓勵他們，勸他們悔改，又給他們預言救主必會來臨。今日的第一篇讀經，就是其中一個預言。這一根由上主特別挑選的嫩芽，親自栽植在以色列的巔峰，長成一棵讓一切飛鳥棲息的高大香柏，就是預言天主會在以色列民族中，興起一位新的領袖，祂的國度起初似乎是微不足道，但它會擴大到能夠讓一切人在它內安享太平。當然，我們知道這位新領袖，就是救主耶穌基督，祂的國度就是天國，起初的確只得耶穌的一班門徒，但它會發展到世界各地，讓一切人得到真正的喜樂與平安。

天國是什麼？天國並不是由耶穌，或者耶穌的門徒，在世界上建立的國家。天國是一個內心的境界，一個願意放下以自我為中心的心態，按照耶穌的教導去生活，實踐愛主愛人，願意跟隨耶穌、跟隨天主的境界。這個境界，在我們人生中，已經可以體味到它的美好，到將來死後，就能夠直接在天堂體驗天主，那裏就是天國的圓滿。

今日的福音中，耶穌這兩個天國的比喻，基本上都形容種子播在地上，會成長、結果子，或者成為大棵的植物，暗示着天國會成長擴大，容納一切的人。但比喻中卻有些耐人尋味的地方，值得我們進入更深一層。

第一個比喻中，這個撒種的人似乎對於種植沒有什麼認識，只會睡覺，更沒有除草、施肥、灑水等等，但種子自然發芽成長。我們就是撒種的人，我們的任務就是將天國的訊息、福音，傳佈給其他人，至於這個訊息怎樣在他人的內心慢慢成長，是聖神的工作，不用我們擔心，也不受我們控制的，天國的訊息有它自然的效能。我們的主要任務，就是以我們的言語和行為，盡量去傳佈福音，不要計較時間或成果。

第二個比喻中，播芥子的人一心種植的，是一棵可以讓他收成芥子的植物，不是一棵樹，尤其是不要大到可以讓飛鳥來棲息，因為飛鳥會啄食他珍貴的的芥子。就是説我們傳佈福音，他人有怎樣的反應和成果，是天主的計劃，是我們意想不到的，也不在我們的控制中。我們盡了責任，將福音傳佈出去，就讓聖神完成祂的工作，更不要因為結果不如我們所預期而不滿。

這就是我們作為基督徒，傳佈福音時應有的心態，就是要信賴天主，天主會照顧一切，有祂的計劃，有祂的時間。

另一方面，我們自己也是接受種子的人，我們怎樣讓天國的境界在心內成長呢？保祿在今日第二篇讀經中提醒我們，無論什麼事，都要以是否能令天主喜悅來做選擇。當我們與配偶不和時，選擇分手抑或和解會令天主喜悅呢？當我們事業失敗時，選擇自暴自棄抑或重新振作會令天主喜悅呢？記得生命是天主的恩賜，也只有天主才知道有多長，我們怎樣善用生命的每一刻，就決定我們將來的報應。當我們面對重病時，有人會祈求早死，甚至用安樂死來避免痛苦或者負擔，但這樣會令天主喜悅嗎？天國的境界是以天主為中心的。

好像我們的父親一樣，天父對我們、祂的每一個子女，都有祂的期望和計劃，祂希望我們自己進入天國之外，更希望我們將天國傳佈給其他人。我們是否能夠全心信賴天父，接受祂的計劃，願意按照祂的旨意去生活，一心令祂喜悅呢？

天主保佑！

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time
6/16/2024
St. James the Greater Church, Boston
Deacon Francis Sung

Today is Father's Day. It is a special day for all fathers and father figures, including priests, godfathers, and even some mothers who play the role of fathers. I would like to wish you Happy Father’s Day. May God, our Father in Heaven, bless you abundantly, and through you, bless your children!

As fathers, we all hope to provide a safe and sufficient environment for our children so that they can grow up healthily and develop their talents without worrying. Oftentimes, the father has expectations for his children, hoping that, due to his guidance, they will be more accomplished than him in the future. But the outcome often depends on the relationship between the children and their father, whether the children trust in their father, and of course whether the children are motivated, willing to be taught and challenge themselves.

The Israelites were a unified and prosperous nation during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. But disputes among the twelve tribes later split the country into northern and southern kingdoms. Around 700 and 600 BC, the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah were defeated by Assyrian and Babylonian Empires, respectively. The Holy Temple was destroyed. Many people were forced into exile and migration. The Israelites lost their nation. In their anguish, they all wondered whether God had abandoned them because of their transgressions, failing to keep their covenant with God. But God had not abandoned them. He even sent many prophets to encourage them, urging them to repent, and prophesy to them that the Savior would surely come. Today’s first reading is one of those prophecies. This shoot, specially selected by the Lord, would be personally planted at the pinnacle of Israel and grow into a tall cedar for all birds to perch. This was a prophecy that God would raise up a new leader among the Israelites. At first, His kingdom might seem insignificant, but it would expand so that everyone could enjoy peace within it. Of course, we know that this new leader is the Savior Jesus Christ, and that His kingdom is the Kingdom of God. It is true that there would only be a group of disciples of Jesus at first, but it would develop to all parts of the world and bring true joy and peace to all people.

What is the Kingdom of God? The Kingdom of God is not a kingdom established in the world by Jesus, or by the disciples of Jesus. The Kingdom of God is an inner state, a realm where one is willing to let go of his egocentric mentality and live according to the teachings of Jesus, practicing loving God and others, and to follow Jesus and follow God. In this realm, we can already taste its goodness in our lives. After death, we will be able to directly experience God in Heaven, where the Kingdom of God reaches perfection.

In today's Gospel, the two parables of Jesus on the Kingdom of God basically describe seeds sown on the ground will grow, bear fruit, or become large plants, implying that the Kingdom of God will grow and expand to accommodate all people. However, there are some intriguing points in the parables which are worth going deeper.

In the first parable, the sower seems to have little knowledge of planting. He only sleeps, not even weeding, fertilizing, watering, etc. Yet the seeds naturally sprout and grow. We are the sowers. Our task is to spread to others the message of the Kingdom of God, the Gospel. As for how this message slowly grows in their hearts, that is the work of the Holy Spirit. We need not worry about it, nor is it under our control. The message of Kingdom of God has its natural effectiveness. Our main task is to spread the Gospel as much as possible with our words and actions, without counting time or result.

In the second parable, the man who sows the mustard seed is hoping for a plant that will allow him to harvest mustard seeds, not a tree, especially not one that is so big that birds can perch, as birds will peck at his precious mustard seeds. It means, when we preach the Gospel, the reactions and results of others are in God’s plan, which are out of our expectation and beyond our control. After fulfilling our duty to spread the Gospel, let the Holy Spirit complete His work. We need not be disappointed even if the results are not as we expected.

This is the mentality we, as Christians, should have when spreading the Gospel, to trust in God. God will take care of everything for He has His plan and His time.

On the other hand, we ourselves are also those who receive the seed. How do we let the Kingdom of God grow in our hearts? In today’s second reading, Paul reminds us that no matter what we do, we must choose based on whether it pleases God. When we are at odds with our spouse, will it please God to choose separation or reconciliation? When our career fails, will it please God if we choose to give up on ourselves or get back on our feet? Remember that life is a gift from God, and only God knows how long it is. How we make good use of every moment of life will determine our future recompense. When we face a serious illness, some people will pray for an early death or even choose euthanasia to avoid pain or burden, but will this please God? To be in the Kingdom of God is to be God-centered.

Just like our father, our Heavenly Father has His expectations and plans for us, for each of His children. He hopes that besides entering the Kingdom of God ourselves, we will spread the Kingdom of God to others. Can we trust in our Heavenly Father wholeheartedly, accepting His plans and willing to live according to His will, and keen on pleasing Him?

God bless you!

06/10/2024

常年期第十主日

6/9/2024

張春祥神父

波士頓華埠聖雅各伯堂

主內的弟兄姐妹，大家好！

今天的福音中耶穌鼓勵我們要去做祂真正的弟兄姐妹，藉著福音的真理，期望我們每一位都能認識魔鬼的各種狡猾和假美麗，因主耶穌的名字擊退各種邪惡勢力，努力做耶穌的真親戚、真兄妹、真母親。並幫助福音的傳播和促進天國的來臨。

今天的第一篇讀經告訴我們，在太初，天主創造了天地萬物，包括人。不幸的人按照自己的意願放棄了天主的保護，反而將罪和魔鬼迎接進入了他們的生命。所以亞當吃了知善惡樹上的果子之後，天主無論怎麼呼喊他，他都不敢回復天主的召喚，不聽命的罪使人不敢坦然面對天主了。從這裡我們可以看出，魔鬼和罪惡使人和天主如朋友般的關系斷裂，人與天主之間的關系變得可怕，甚至躲避，或者形成敵對的狀態。罪惡和魔鬼可以使人與天主之間產生隔閡。從我們的信仰生活經驗中，我們也知道，一旦上了魔鬼的當，我們就會陷於罪惡，這時的我們都變得非常軟弱，發生事情就彼此推脫責任，甚至學會狡辯或撒謊，有時候還會責備抱怨天主。

在這裡要和大家交代的是，魔鬼是很狡猾的，聖經中經常將魔鬼描寫成蛇的形像，就是為了強調魔鬼的狡猾和殘忍，也包括它的惡毒和攻擊性。舊約中經常將狡猾解釋為“偽智慧”或“偽善”，表現在生活中，就是詭詐和邪惡。正如創世紀中，魔鬼與女人之間的對話，充分地表達了魔鬼的狡詐和攻擊性。依撒意亞先知說：“偽智慧是自認為自己是‘聰明和通達’的人，表現為顛倒是非，稱惡為善，稱善為惡；以暗為光，以光為暗；以苦為甘，以甘為苦。”（依5:20-21）我們每個人從出生就遭受原罪的玷污，所以我們生為罪人，雖然藉著洗禮，我們的原罪得以洗淨，但原罪的後果還是遺留到了我們身上，所以我們非常容易受魔鬼襲擊和欺騙。故此，我們應該時刻警醒自己不要跟從魔鬼的誘惑。

我們從三個方面來看今天的福音，第一、耶穌的家人。他們從屋內走到外面說：“耶穌瘋了”，因為耶穌四處傳揚天國的福音，為大眾服務，竟然廢寢忘食。所以祂的家人們說祂已經瘋了。第二、耶穌的族人。這些包括那些法利賽人和經師，他們是有學識的人，是宗教人士的代表，從耶路撒冷下來專門探訪耶穌。他們來到耶穌的家裡，不是為了接受耶穌的教導，而是來發現耶穌的毛病並找到耶穌的缺點的。所以當他們看到耶穌驅魔的時候，他們就指責耶穌是靠著魔王的能力驅魔的。這是一項非常嚴重的指控。耶穌費心勞力地宣講天國福音，無微不至地關懷他人，最後卻被指控為魔王工作。第三、耶穌的真親屬。當瑪利亞帶著耶穌的叔伯兄弟來到耶穌跟前時，耶穌藉著這次機會，開始宣布：“凡奉行天主旨意的人，就是我的兄弟姊妹及母親。”一方面耶穌指出祂的母親和兄弟是按照天主旨意生活的人，是有福的人。另一方面耶穌也指出祂要建立一個新的家庭，這個家庭成立的條件不是基於血統聯系，而是因著奉行天主旨意而成立的新家。

所以，我們對今天福音的反省是：第一、很多教友不願意像耶穌那樣“發瘋”，我們一個星期168個小時，我拿出1個小時來教堂就足夠了。甚至彌撒在一個小時五分鐘結束的時候我就很不耐煩了。或者我來到教會更希望認識更多的朋友，或者是為了與我的家人或朋友見面。很多時候我們忘記了，我們不僅是要和人交朋友，也需要和耶穌交朋友，我們要投靠祂、依賴祂。我們加入教會不是為了子女可以平安無事，或者老人健康順利。當然這不是壞事。但我們在這裡更重要的是要體會靈性生命的益處。我們來到教會想到的不應該只是人性角度的滿足，還有神性方面的需要。第二、我們中有一部分人願意學習法利賽人或經師。我們來到教堂不只是來朝拜天主，更重要的是去發現別人的缺點和不足，甚至我們更希望看到神父的錯誤或過失。這樣我們就可以像當年的經師們指責耶穌那樣來指控他們、議論他們、甚至發火來責備他們的不對。雖然教堂內的彌撒超過一個小時就很不耐煩了，但是彌撒後的閑談議論，說兩個小時還不過癮。我們忘記問一下跪在聖體前的自己，我與耶穌之間是什麼關系？我今天有沒有體會到祂的慈愛？在我與天主的關系中，我與教會內的弟兄姐妹又是什麼樣的關系？在團體內，我有沒有看到自己的尊嚴和自己的可愛？我有沒有體會到自己生命的力量是來自這份愛的關系？第三、什麼是奉行天主的旨意？天主願意所有的人得救，願意按照自己預定的計劃使上天和下地的一切都歸於基督，包括我們人。這就是天主的旨意。在這個基礎上，我們彼此相愛、彼此包容和理解、彼此鼓勵並充滿希望地在主內共融。聖母和耶穌的弟兄姐妹已經為我們做了榜樣。

弟兄姐妹們，魔鬼在今天是存在的，並且相當猖狂，祝願我們在生命中能夠識別魔鬼的狡詐，而努力學習去做耶穌的真弟兄、姐妹和母親，努力承行天主的旨意。在天主的愛內共融團結，共同在成聖的道路上邁進。願天主永受贊美。

Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
6/9/2024
Fr. Joseph Zhang
St. James the Greater Church in Boston's Chinatown

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Happy Sunday!

In the gospel today Jesus exhorts us to be true brothers and sisters. Through gospel’s truth he expects us to see the trickery of Satan and its false beauty. In Jesus’ name we defeat the many and various evil powers, try our best to be authentic relative, brother and sister, mother of Jesus, and help transmit the good news, expedite the coming of the heavenly kingdom.

The first reading told us, at the very beginning God created everything in heaven and on earth, including mankind. Man unfortunately on his/her own will choose to give up God’s protection. Instead sin and Satan were welcomed into their life. Adam ate the apple from the tree, and no matter how he was called by God, he did not go back to God’s embrace. The sin of disobedience made mankind unable to face God. Satan and sin made us break the relationship of being a friend with God. That relationship turned frightening, even led to avoidance or enmity. It separates us. From our faith life and experience we know once we fall into the trick of Satan, it is our downfall into evil and sin. We feel weak, try to turn away from our responsibility, even learn to be like Satan to defend or lie, complain or blame God.

Here I like to tell you this: Satan is very tricky. In the Bible Satan was often painted in the image of a snake to emphasize on its tricks, cruelty, viciousness and attack. These were described as “false wisdom” or “false goodness”. In real life this is trickery and evil. In Genesis, the conversation between Satan and the woman fully described these. Prophet Isaiah said: “Those who call evil good and good evil, who change darkness to light, and light into darkness, who change bitter to sweet, and sweet into bitter!” (Is 5:20-21). As sinner each of us is born with original sin. With baptism, the original sin was cleansed, yet the consequences of that original sin remained. We are easily tempted and tricked by Satan. We should always be alert and fight back Satan’s temptations.

Let us look at today’s gospel in three ways. First, Jesus’ family: they went from their home to outside and said: “He is out of his mind” because Jesus went everywhere to transmit the good news of the kingdom of heaven. Serving everyone Jesus gave up sleeping and daily meals. So they thought Jesus was crazy. Second, Jesus’ ethnic family included Pharisees and scribes who were learned and representatives of the religious, and they came to visit Jesus from Jerusalem and went to his home. They did not come to accept his teaching but to find fault. When they saw Jesus turned away demons they accused Jesus as using the power of Satan to do so. This is a very serious accusation. With utmost efforts Jesus exhorts the good news of the heavenly kingdom, and his caring for everyone. Then he was being accused as working for Satan. Third, who is Jesus’ true family? When Mary brought uncles and brothers of Jesus to him, Jesus used this opportunity to announce: “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother”. On the one hand, Jesus pointed out that his mother, brother and sister who live in accordance of God’s will are blessed. On the other hand Jesus stressed that he is building a new family not based on blood, rather it is a new one based on doing the will of God.

Our reflections on the gospel today are: First, many parishioners are unwilling to be like Jesus who was “out of his mind”. There are 168 hours each week. It is enough going to church for one hour. I am someone impatient if the Mass ends after one hour and five minutes. Or I come to church to know some more friends, or to see my family or friends. We often forget that while having more friends is fine, we also need to be a friend of Jesus, and move closer to him, rely on him. We join the church not only for peace and safety of our children, or health and success of our elders. Of course there is nothing wrong with this mentality. More importantly is we need to discern the goodness of spiritual life and fulfillment. Not just from the human perspective. Second, some of us like to imitate the Pharisees or scribes. We come to church not only to worship God, but more importantly to find out the shortcoming and insufficiency of other people, including those of the priest. Then like the scribes in the past accusing Jesus to accuse them, debate them, point out their mistakes with agitation. Complaining about the Mass exceeding one hour, yet after Mass talking for two hours they don’t think is a problem. We forget when kneeling in front of the Eucharist to ask, what is my relationship with Jesus? Have I sensed his mercy and love? In that relationship, what is mine with the church’s brothers and sisters? In our community, do I see our dignity and loveliness? And what is our power of life and its relationship to love? Third, what is doing God’s will? God wishes salvation for everyone, in accordance of his plan that all belong to Christ in heaven and on earth, including us. That is God’s will. In that foundation we love one another, in communion and in understanding, encourage full of hope. Holy Mother and Jesus’ brothers and sisters are our role model.

Brothers and sisters: Satan exists today and is atrociously powerful. May in our life we discern its tricks, try our best to be true brother, sister and mother of Jesus, and to do God’s will. In God’s love, communion and unity we journey forward in holiness. Praise to God forever.

06/06/2024

基督聖體聖血節
6/2/2024
張春祥神父
波士頓華埠聖雅各伯堂

各位主內的弟兄姐妹，大家好！

今天教會帶領我們共同慶祝基督聖體聖血節，這個節日的由來是來自一位聖人聖朱莉安娜（Juliana）的一個神視中來的，她是教會十三世紀的一位比利時的奧斯定修會的修女，1209我們的主耶穌曾多次在神視中告訴朱莉安娜修女她想要一個節日來慶祝祂的聖體聖血，原因有三，其一，為了保持教友們對基督在聖體聖事內的臨在的信心；其二，為了加強信友走向美德的道路；其三，為了褻瀆耶穌基督的聖體聖事的事實而做出補贖。當時正好是意大利波爾塞納發生了聖體奇跡，當時的教宗烏爾巴諾四世（Urbanus IV）下令調查後，發布了《在離開世界之際》（Transiturus de Hoc Mundo）通諭，邀請整個教會慶祝基督聖體聖血節，並邀請當時的神學家聖多瑪斯·阿奎那為此瞻禮寫了五首贊美詩。所以教會正式開始在彌撒中紀念耶穌將自己的身體和血液奉獻出來的這一事實，

聖體聖事有三重意義：對過去，它是對基督苦難與真正祭獻的一種追念；對現在，它是我們與基督合一及彼此合一的聖事；對將來，它使我們提前分享天主性的幸福。在申命紀裡，天主用”瑪納“在曠野四十年之久養育選民，瑪納是聖體聖事的預像。耶穌許諾，祂自身將成為人類的真正的飲食，可使人得到永生。在出谷紀裡，梅瑟給天主祭獻，以犧牲的血灑在祭壇上和人民身上。表示天主與人訂立盟約。耶穌在十字架上，以自己的血為人贖罪，獲得永遠救贖。在最後晚餐，耶穌與人訂立了新的祭獻，用祂的身體作我們的食糧，用祂的血，新約的血，作我們的飲料。基督充作飲食的聖筵，使人紀念祂的苦難，使我們心靈充滿聖寵，也使我們獲得來日分享光榮的保證。

我們都深信升天的耶穌隱身在祝聖過的餅酒裡，聖教會為了維護“基督真正並永久存在於聖體內”的真理。

今天我們聆聽到的“五餅二魚”的奇跡，故事中揭示了人間物質財富的局限性，強調我們心靈的空虛無法通過物質滿足，我們更需要愛和分享的力量。耶穌在福音中通過五餅兩條魚來傳遞祂對我們的愛，使所有人的心靈都得到滿足。所以，這個“五餅二魚”的奇跡強調的是：慈悲和奉獻。首先，耶穌對群眾的憐憫體現了他的慈悲心；其二，門徒們願意奉獻自己遞給眾人事物，其三，一個小孩原因將自己僅有的五個餅和兩條魚奉獻出來；無論是耶穌、門徒、小孩，都展示了慷慨和無私。所以，這個故事在呼喊我們，生活中要有慈悲心，奉獻的心，和分享的心。

這個故事同時還揭示了物質財富的局限性，強調心靈的空虛無法通過物質滿足，需要愛和分享的力量。耶穌用五餅二魚傳遞愛，使眾人心靈得到滿足。故事提醒我們要超越自我，關注他人的需要。五餅二魚傳達了超越物質、關注心靈、分享愛與超越自我的屬靈意義。

在日常生活中，我們往往過於依賴物質財富，將物質財富視為幸福和滿足的唯一來源。然而，五餅二魚的故事卻告訴我們，物質的滿足並不能真正填補心靈的空虛。盡管五千人因耶穌的神奇而填飽了肚子，但真正使他們得到滿足的並非食物本身，而是心靈的觸動和信仰的力量。這正是五餅二魚的屬靈意義之所在。

弟兄姐妹們，通過今天的慶祝，願我們每一位都心懷耶穌，在生命中通過接受耶穌的慷慨和奉獻，也主動分享我們的愛與我們身邊的人。願我們周邊都存有慈悲、奉獻和分享。願天主永受讚美。亞孟！

The Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ Sunday/Feast of Corpus Christi
6/2/2024
Fr. Joseph Zhang
St. James the Greater Church in Boston's Chinatown

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Happy Sunday!

Today the Church leads us to celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ. It originated from the vision of St. Juliana of Liege, Belgium, a 13th-century Norbertine canoness of the Augustinian nuns. In 1209, she reported her many visions of Christ in which she was instructed to plead for the institution of the feast of Corpus Christi. There are three reasons: 1. To ensure the trust of the faithful that Christ is present in the Eucharist; 2. To strengthen our journey towards virtues; 3. To repent for those who violate the sanctity of the Sacrament of Eucharist. When a miracle of the Eucharist occurred in Italy, Pope Urban IV ordered an investigation, promulgated “Transiturus de Hoc Mundo” and invited the whole Church to celebrate this Feast. He also invited theologian St. Thomas Aquinas to compose 5 poems for the Feast. This began the Church’s celebration of Jesus offering His body and blood as true sacrifice.

There are three meanings for the Sacrament of Eucharist: For the past it is commemoration of the sacrifice of the passion of Christ. For the present it is a Sacrament of the unity and communion of us and Christ. For the future it gives in advance the joy and blessing of sharing God. In Deuteronomy, God used Manna to feed and nourish the chosen people for 40 years in the wilderness. Manna is the forerunner of the Sacrament of Eucharist. Jesus promised himself is the true flesh and drink for mankind and has eternal life. In Exodus, Moses offered sacrifice to God, and spread the blood on the altar and the people, to show the covenant between God and mankind. On the cross, Jesus used His blood to ransom our sin and to receive eternal salvation. At the last supper, Jesus established a new sacrifice with mankind, His body is our food and His blood is our drink in the new covenant. Christ is the banquet, a commemoration of His passion, filling our heart and soul with holy grace, a guarantee of glory in the future.

We all believe that inside the consecrating bread and wine is the resurrected Jesus, edifying the truth of the Holy Church that “Christ truly and forever in the Holy Eucharist”.

Today we hear the miracle of “five loaves and two fish''. The story revealed the limitation of material wealth, stressed that the heart that is empty cannot be satisfied by material. Rather we need the power of love and sharing. In the gospel through the five loaves and two fish Jesus transmits to us His love and fills our heart. What this miracle focused on is: mercy and sacrifice. First, Jesus demonstrated His mercy to the crowd. Second, the disciples were willing to share and sacrifice. Third, a small child was willing to offer his only five loaves and two fish. Whether Jesus, disciples, the child, they were generous and unselfish. This story called upon us that in life to have the heart of mercy, sacrifice and sharing.

This story also revealed the limitation of material wealth, the heart that is empty cannot be satisfied by material. It needs love and the power of sharing. Using 5 loaf and 2 fish Jesus transmits love to satisfy men’s hearts. It reminds us to transform ourselves, care for other people’s needs. It gives spiritual meaning.

In our ordinary living we often rely on material wealth, consider it as the sole source of benevolence and satisfaction. The 5 loaf 2 fish story told us: material wealth cannot fill the emptiness of our heart and soul. Because of Jesus’ miracle, 5,000 people had a full meal, but what truly made them fulfilled was not the food. Rather it was the power that moved their heart and faith. That is the spiritual meaning.

Brothers and sisters, through today’s celebration, may our hearts draw near Jesus, accept His generosity and sacrifice, and on our initiative share our love with people in our midst. May we be surrounded by mercy, sacrifice and sharing. May God be praised forever, Amen!

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